Music Lessons in Saint Jacob, IL

Instruments: Trombone Bass Guitar

The fundamentals of playing are a great place to start with any lessons. Working with scales, breathing, and intonation are among those fundamentals that help build up ones playing at the strongest points. From there, it is important to incorporate those into etudes and solos, learning how they function within written pieces. Another important aspect of successful lessons, I believe, is giving the student a choice. Working with solos and topics they are interested in help make the environment more open and available for progression. Read More

Instruments: Voice

As a voice teacher, I have greatly enjoyed sharing the gift of music with others. It is important to me that singers always find joy and fulfillment in making music. I work with each singer to choose repertoire that is interesting and enjoyable to work on, and that will allow them to grow musically. We set goals from week to week that will encourage home practice as well, since just like any other skill, learning to perform musically takes time and dedication. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

At this point, I was able to develop very rapidly and also implemented various guitar styles into my playing. I would eventually discover a passion for classical guitar and pursued studies with Alan Rosenkoetter at Washington University. During this formal stage of my musical development, I graduated from the University of Missouri St. Louis with a Bachelors of Music Degree, with an emphasis in Music Education. I play and teach the following styles: rock, blues, metal, classical, funk, pop, country, alternative, and folk/acoustic. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

Music lessons are not math class. It is first important to discover what the student is interested in learning. I balance the learning of material that the student is interested in with excercises and other concepts that I know to be important for any musician. I always encourage students to play with their peers! Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning and intermediate students I utilize the Bastien Method books series, which includes supplemental Theory and Technique books that can be purchased if needed.  These students each select performance pieces which they enjoy and are level-appropriate from a variety of sources. More advanced students focus primarily on challenging performance pieces, several of which are selected as 'keepers' for practice and review.  Lessons include technique practice (scales, arpeggios, finger exercises), theory (from textbooks, flashcards etc.) music history, instrument mechanics, ear training and musicianship (such as rhythm and sight reading drills, dictation) and student compositions (notation and continuation methods). Read More

Instruments: Piano

I have taught students for over 30 years and have seen many changes in both student’s preferences and the style of Music and instruments preferred. I am comfortable with both traditional pianos and organs and modern electronic keyboards. I have given lessons in my home, my students’ home and retail studios.I currently have 20 students on my roster. 6 of whom are adults. I have also begun a regular schedule of concert/recital opportunities for all of my students. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I love to see students come out of their shell!  It gives me so much pleasure to watch the progression of a student who starts out shy and scared to sing in public, to commanding a stage and audience after a series of lessons.  I like to move at the students pace, while encouraging and challenging the student to push themselves with healthy vocal practices and exercises, while in, and away from the studio.  My goal for my students is to help them find their own, unique voice and style! Read More